ABOUT ALBERT USTER IMPORTS

Albert Uster Imports, Inc. (“AUI Fine Foods”) is a privately held gourmet food company headquartered in the Washington, DC area (Gaithersburg, MD) with warehouse locations in Kansas City, Las Vegas, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Gaithersburg. AUI Fine Foods falls under the Vestar Capital Partners portfolio with affiliate organization, Roland Foods, LLC.

Founded in 1968, the company offers over 1,400 products from around the world. AUI Fine Foods serves leading hotels, restaurants, casinos, cruise lines, airlines, and manufacturers with innovative, high-quality products and solutions to their most demanding culinary challenges. AUI FINE FOODS operates a network of distribution centers across the U.S. and serves select international markets as well. AUI Fine Foods has a national direct selling organization of over 60 sales professionals and a staff of culinary experts (chefs and food scientists) adept at custom product solutions.

ABOUT ROLE

AUI FINE FOODS seeks a talented, motivated, and passionate sales professional to support AUI Fine Foods’ continued growth. This is an individual quota-carrying revenue accountability role. The ideal candidate demonstrates significant sales experience, a results-driven mindset, and a strong knowledge of pastry. Expectations include driving accountability and maximizing regional growth while executing corporate sales strategies and initiatives.

LOCATION

Remote position based in Phoenix, Arizona; covering the territory of Arizona and New Mexico

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze current customer base and their product needs to offer solutions that best fit their business and maintain information in sales database.
• Consult with customers regarding current market conditions, innovations, product information, and provide practical training to customer staff.
• Make presentations and tastings to key decision makers such as Executive Chefs, Pastry Chefs, Food and Beverage Directors while providing detailed cost/quality benefit analysis.
• Gather market intel on competition while maintaining CRM database to develop and execute sales strategies to grow AUI Fine Foods market share within the territory.
• Evaluate market trends by having an active voice on social media platforms like: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter and collaborate with official @AUI Fine Foods social media posts.
• Successfully communicate with customers new product launches working in tandem with Marketing.
• Develop new business through cold calling, utilizing the lead databases, and participating in local pastry/restaurant organizations and clubs.
• Develop and use effective sales routes and call schedules to touch all active customer base.
• Provide customer with relevant product knowledge by participating in sales trainings and workshops.
• Expedite and manage customer communication of damages and returns.
• Use rapport with customers to build and maintain strong relationships and loyalty to AUI Fine Foods.
• Collaborate with internal departments such as Customer Service, Inside Sales, Purchasing, Shipping, and Finance to provide customer requested information.
• Facilitate and organize AUI Fine Foods sponsored product demonstrations in coordination with our Marketing department.
• Achieve agreed upon sales goals within set schedule. 
• Travel within set territory 60%.
• Review past due accounts and facilitate communication with customer for payment.
• Keep accurate mileage and expense reports using expense software.
• Provide item forecasts in CRM for large business or upon requests.
• Maintain current contact information in CRM database for all customers assigned.
• Provide sales reports and price quotes.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing/Sales, or Culinary with three years sales experience or six or more years foodservice experience.  Chef or Pastry Chef experience preferred. Outside sales experience a plus.
• First hand experience and knowledge of the food service or hospitality industry.
  
• Knowledge of general pastry ingredients and techniques used in pastry arts.
• Excellent communications skills in person, over the phone, and in writing to diverse groups with the ability to listen and open for feedback.
• Ability to read the room and start conversations with strangers.
• Must be able to lead special functions such as marketing events, shows, demonstrations, and network events that may sometimes be held in the evenings or on weekends.
• Must be honest & trustworthy, approachable, able to establish personal connection with customers, displays professionalism, and has a very good work ethic. Works well under pressure, deadlines, and maintains a high level of activity.
• Must be a goal driven self-starter who is able to work independently on the road with minimal direct supervision.
• An enthusiastic winner with a positive attitude and a team player who is highly adaptable to a changing environment.

Founded by immigrants, AUI Fine Foods knows that diversity is the spice of life. We believe in the power of food to open minds, spark adventure, and bring diverse people together.  All are welcome at our table! We know the transformative value of food in individual lives and communities. Because of this, we insist on obtaining the highest-quality ingredients and talent!

AUI Fine Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. AUI Fine Foods considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. AUI Fine Foods is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at peopleandculture@rolandfoods.com.